Swahili Proverbs

Swahili is spoken in Kenya and some other neighboring countries. A complex and beautiful language, Swahili is full of interesting proverbs. Click here for a free two hour starter course, and visit our Swahili children's bi-lingual book section too.

 

Pole Pole Ndio Mwendo
Slow, slow is the way to go/slowness is the better locomotion.
Being steady and keen is important when performing given tasks.

 

Haraka Haraka Haina Baraka
Meaning: Hurry, hurry, has no blessings.
Application: More haste less speed. It is important to do a given assignment well and not to hurry for the sake of completing it.

 

Dawa Ya Moto Ni Moto
The remedy for fire is fire.
Tit for tat. Tough situations require bold decisions and leadership.

 

Kutoa ni moyo, si utajiri.

Charity begins at home.

 

Mtu Ni Watu 

A person is people.
No person is an island. Every person needs the company of others.

 

Udongo uwahi umaji

Work with the clay while it is wet

 

Tisa Karibu Na Kumi
Nine is near ten.
Never give up when you are about to complete a task or nearing the end.

 

Penye nia pana njia.

Where there is a will there is also a way.

Fuata nyuki ule asali.

Follow the bees in order to eat honey.

 

Mwenda pole hajikwai.

He who moves forward slowly does not trip.

 

Ulimacho huvunacho

What you reap, you sow

 

More Swahili Content: Swahili Radio, Swahili Cartoons, Swahili Free Lessons, Swahili Software

 

Mkono mmoja haupigi makofi

One hand (alone) cannot clap

 

Jembe lisilo na mpini halilimi

A spade without a handle does not plow.